A potential role of alkaloid extracts from Salsola species (Chenopodiaceae) in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Abstract

From the aerial parts of Salsola oppositofolia, S. soda and S. tragus an alkaloid extract was obtained and tested to evaluate antioxidant and anti-cholinesterase activities. The in vitro study of the antioxidant activity by the DPPH method revealed a significant activity of Salsola alkaloid extracts with IC₅₀ values ranging from 16.30 μg/mL for S. oppositifolia to 26.17 μg/mL for S. tragus. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitory activities were evaluated. S. tragus alkaloid extract exerted the highest inhibitory activity against AChE (IC₅₀ of 30.2 μg/mL) and BChE (IC₅₀ of 26.5 μg/mL). Interestingly, S. soda and S. oppositifolia exhibited a selective inhibitory activity against BChE with IC₅₀ values of 34.3 μg/mL and 32.7 μg/mL, respectively. Tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids were identified and quantified by GC/MS analysis.

Keywords::

• Salsola species
• tetrahydroisoquinoline alkaloids
• acetylcholinesterase
• butyrylcholinesterase
• inhibition
• antioxidant activity

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Dr. N.G. Passalacqua (Botany Department of University of Calabria, Italy) and Dr. L. Peruzzi (Biology Department, University of Pisa, Italy) for supplying the herb samples used in this study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.